Driving transformation in clinical services

As the senior managing director of clinical services, Christa Ballew is responsible for a national portfolio of projects where we serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health diagnoses, and complex physical or medical conditions by helping them receive essential services and supports through accurate, person-centric assessment services.

With over 20 years of program administration and management experience in health and human services, she’s known as a leader who’s deeply committed to driving positive change, fostering innovation, and inspiring others. To get there, she often draws on her expertise in program, policy, and process improvement, quality measurement and analysis, and human resources.

Christa’s work focuses on enhancing service delivery, improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, and partnering with state agencies to transform their programs. Dedicated to serving people and communities facing barriers, Christa is the recipient of the Madeline Maxwell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Family Support Enforcement Association.

We sat down with Christa to explore her journey at Maximus, her approach to leadership, and her vision for the future of clinical services.

I've always been drawn to work that helps people and communities thrive. Early in my career, I saw firsthand how government programs can make a real difference in people's lives, whether ensuring children receive the financial support they need or connecting individuals to vital health services. I realized that this was the kind of impact I wanted to have — not just on a case-by-case basis, but at a systemic level.

I envision a future where clinical services are more proactive, person-centered, and integrated. Technology, including AI and predictive analytics, will play an increasingly important role in improving service delivery and outcomes. However, the human element will remain critical. Maximus is well-positioned as a trusted partner to government agencies in navigating this transformation. We're investing in innovative solutions and leveraging our deep expertise to help our government clients design and implement programs that meet the evolving and diverse needs of the people they serve.

Throughout my career, I've learned that effective leadership is about building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement. I strive to create an environment where diverse perspectives are truly valued, and healthy debate is both encouraged and common. By empowering my teams to innovate and problem-solve, we've been able to successfully navigate the challenges of a rapidly growing organization. For me, it's about harnessing the collective strengths and ideas of my team to deliver better outcomes together.

It's incredibly fulfilling to know that the work we do every day is improving outcomes for vulnerable populations across the country. When my team shares specific examples of how our programs are helping people access the care they need, gain independence, or improve their quality of life, it reinforces my belief in the importance of our work and our sense of purpose. I'm also inspired by the dedication of our state partners and the opportunity to support them in driving transformation.

Be curious, proactive, and open to continuous learning. The clinical services field is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay engaged and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Don't be afraid to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and bring new ideas to the table. And always keep the people we serve at the center of everything you do — let their needs and experiences guide your work.